This month’s offering is a recording of one of my speeches given in English last December at Otaru University of Commerce, Hokkaido, Japan, sponsored by Dr. Shawn Clankie. Q&A included. It’s my standard presentation on the Otaru Onsens Case with some updates (especially given that the site of the famous standoffs with “Japanese Only” bathhouses took place in this very town) on how things have or have not changed.

This entry was posted on Saturday, May 7th, 2011 at 1:25 pm and is filed under Podcasts.
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I always felt the need to comment on this onsen business. I can’t remember where it was stated. However, I feel it is completely unfounded that NJ are less clean that Japanese. In fact, because of stronger body odour, it is necessary for us westerners to keep our bodies even more clean. I have noticed this many times. I have also noticed many Japanese people do not shower before getting into the bath! Sometimes they wreak! I leave. Some old man with rotting skin gets in and I’m outta there.

I was sitting in kita no tama yura, and there were some koukousei making fun of one them because he didn’t shower before getting in. He was talking about how he doesn’t shower at home either.

The cleanest Japanese household I’ve ever seen has not matched my grandmothers house. Average Japanese household is a wreck compared to what I’m used to.

I think if the onsens in Otaru are having trouble with smelly seamen, they should make some nice clear signs about what is expected.